The Glitz
07/13/22 • 25 min
2 Listeners
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The Blitz
London is a bombed out city and poor neighborhoods have been left flatten and desolate, but we meet some young street hooligans determined that the limitations of war will not get in the way of their future success.
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The First Heists
While mixing with the who’s who of London’s West End, Bruce Reynolds begins to assemble the crew who will one day rob a train. But first, there’s the little matter of an airport, an armored car, two modified Jaguars, a large box of cash, and some watches.
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British Villains - The Glitz
Transcript Summary
In this intriguing episode titled "The Glitz," the British Villains podcast delves into the world of Cockney language, a coded street language associated with England's working class. Unveiling the true marker of class in England, the episode explores the existence of a long-standing class system. Speaker 1, hailing from a family with criminal involvement, uncovers the fascinating story of Bruce Reynolds and Golden Goody, members of a professional criminal crew specializing in cunning robberies rather than brute force. Amidst the backdrop of a post-war London recovering from its effects, the bustling Harrod's department store becomes the stage for two girls shoplifting items and selling them in poorer neighborhoods. As we journey through this captivating narrative, we witness how thieving and oysting (shoplifting) offered working-class individuals a means to earn money and gain independence. Uniting their efforts, women formed organized oysting gangs, providing income and notoriety. With Londoners looking out for each other during wartime, petty theft was a common occurrence, often involving turning off shops or pilfering. Lastly, we delve into the intricacies of Cockney rhyming slang, a complex language used by Londoners, and discover the admirable Pearly Kings and Queens, Cockney ambassadors dedicated to raising money for charity. This thought-provoking episode is bound to captivate listeners with its enthralling tales of crime, class, and a vibrant language unique to the streets of London.
Transcript
From Luminary. This is British Villains, London Christmas time. It's brass, which means it's bloody freezing. It's only been eight years since the war ended, but the city is getting back on its feet and people are out and about again after years of blackouts. The lights are back on in the Capitol. Over in swanky Knightsbridge, the department store Harrod's is bursting with Christmas cheer, and the Fame Store is packed with shoppers. But just over
The Glitz Top Questions Answered
What is London like during Christmas time after the war?
London during Christmas time after the war was bustling with shoppers and filled with the festive spirit.
Who were "the two Lenders" and what were they known for?
"The two Lenders" were expert shoplifters, gaining notoriety for their skilled thieving abilities.
What was a common practice known as oystering in London?
Oystering was a common practice, particularly among women, involving petty thieving as a way to provide for their families.
How did Cockney rhyming slang play a role in communication in London?
Cockney rhyming slang was used as a coded language on the streets of London, enabling communication while confusing outsiders.
Who were the Pearly Kings and Queens and what role did they play in Cockney culture?
Pearly Kings and Queens were ambassadors of Cockney culture, known for their elaborate traditional outfits and philanthropic work.
How has the class system always existed in the UK?
The class system has always been a part of UK society, serving as a hierarchical structure based on social and economic status.
What was the significance of accents as markers of class in England?
Accents in England were commonly used as indicators of one's social class, reflecting regional and cultural differences.
What were some examples of Cockney rhyming slang?
Cockney rhyming slang examples include "apples and pears" (stairs), "dog and bone" (phone), and "trouble and strife" (wife).
What kind of criminal activities did the speaker's dad and his friends engage in?
The speaker's dad and his friends formed a crew involved in various criminal activities, specializing in robberies and blowing safes.
What was the planned heist proposed by the speaker's dad to Bruce Reynolds?
The speaker's dad proposed a bank robbery during the routine Friday cash transfer, which later became known as the Great Train Robbery.
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